Sony Debuts Next-Generation Hi-MD Recorder

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Sleek, ergonomically advanced and USB 2.0 equipped for high-speed uploading to PCs, the next-generation MZ-M200 Hi-MD recorder is being show by Sony Electronics at Summer NAMM 2006.

Paul Foschino, senior manager for professional audio in Sony Electronics' Broadcast and Production Systems Division, reports "The MZ-M200 is ideally suited to the needs of radio broadcast professionals, journalists, musicians, educators and houses of worship. It assures users of superb recording /playback capabilities and significant storage capacity. "The original MZ-M100 was quickly recognized as an excellent field recording tool last year," Foschino said. "The re-designed MZ-M200 introduces a number of significant design advances including the ability to record and play in both the Hi-MD and MD formats. It also features such user-friendly design advances as larger buttons for basic record and playback operations, a true overload indicator, and manual recording level control. The ECM-DS70P stereo microphone (included) provides exceptional audio quality."

The MZ-M200 is USB 2.0-equipped to facilitate high-speed uploading to PC or MAC. It offers uncompressed PCM linear audio capability; a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery with extremely long recording/playback time; removable, low-cost media, and an easy-to-read display.

The MZ-M200 accepts removable 1GB Mini Discs, for up to 94 minutes of uncompressed recording time and up to 34 hours in ATRAC3 plus™ format. With a list price of approximately $7.00, Hi-MD media enables users to archive original recordings inexpensively, and makes data transfer effortless. A USB port for Macintosh® and Windows®/PC operating system provides connectivity for many pro-recording applications including music, interviews and field recordings. Additionally, the MZ-M200 can transfer conventional MD self-recordings to Windows PC.



MZ-M200 Hi-MD Recorder features include:

• USB 2.0 for Uploading recordings to a PC
• MAC and WIN-PC software - Converts Hi-MD recordings to.WAV Files
• Linear PCM (44.1kHz 16-bit) Uncompressed - 94 min. on a Hi-MD disc
• AC adapter/charger and Lithium Ion rechargeable battery
• ECM-DS70P stereo microphone (supplied)
• MDR-EO ear bud headphones (supplied)

MZ-M200 Hi-MD Recording Modes (Using Hi-MD Discs):

• Linear PCM (44.1kHz 16-bit) - Uncompressed - 94 Min.
• ATRAC3plus (256 kbps) - Compressed - Up to 8 hrs
• ATRAC3plus (64kbps) - Compressed - Up to 34 hrs

Conventional MD Recording Modes (Using 80 Min MD Discs):

• ATRAC ( 66 kbps) - Compressed - 5 hr. 20 min.
• ATRAC3 (132kbps) - Compressed - 2 hr. 40 min
• ATRAC3 (292 kbps) - Compressed - 1 hr. 20 min.

The Hi-MD MZ-M200 will is available at a suggested list price of $439.95.

For more information, visit their web site at www.sony.com.